i prefer not to share the equipment in between sets but when anyone asks i oblige (only twice in 6 years). it's more about the awkwardness during the workout than anything else.
When I'm at the gym, like I always am, and someone asks how many sets I have or if they can work in, my immediate and only response is instant violence. I don't say a single word. I immediately attack the person as hard and fast as I can. People love me at the gym since I'm always there fighting. Imagine how many people wouldn't stand their ground for something as important as a bench at a public gym. Thank god there's a forum where I can come and boast about my noble and worthy deeds for everyone else to find out about how righteous I am at the gym. I know everyone is very interested... as they should be.
I think there are two different things here. Didn't OP say the guy just asked him to move? Maybe I read it wrong, but he said "Can you go over there?" That's rude, and probably not the right move. Now working in, yeah, no problem. "Hey, can I work in with you between sets, since my weights are right here?" Sure thing Hulk, no problem.
You have the right to say no, but it is kind of a dicky thing. Granted, I don't understand why he couldn't use the other bench...maybe he didn't see it, maybe he needed/wanted a spot, maybe he wanted to feel the warmth of your body on the bench...who knows. As for the circuit training folks...circuit train at your own risk. I do the same but I don't expect that machine to be all mine during my circuit so if I roll up and someone is there, then you wait to work in or go to Plan B.
Bench press is almost mandatory that you share during prime hours of 4-8pm. It is rude when you talk to someone who is repping. Thou shall be ignored. Thou shall not have more than 2 sets of dumbbells.
Exactly! thank you for reading the post correctly.. He asked me to move to the same exact bench a few feet down so it would be convenient for him. Sorry not happening. If he would have been polite I would have probably moved but he came off as a real D-bag.
It depends on the situation. It sounds like there was a bench in front of the heavy dumbbells (80-110 lb) and a bench in front of the lighter dumbbells (50-80 lb), and OP was on the heavy bench but using lighter weights. If that was the case, the guy had every right to ask OP to move, and OP should've obliged.
Benches were identical.. The bench I was on happened to be closer to another machine he was using....
And how heavy were the dumbbells in front of your bench? And how heavy were the dumbbells you were using?
No. If it's a public place, and everyone can use the bench... OP can use the bench. Unless, of course, there's a sign or a rule somewhere in the gym that says "This bench is only for HULKs and Mr. Olympias, 1buckO'fives like SwoLy, use the bench in front, please" or something of the likes, HULK JUICED guy should have waited or said "Excuse me, but can you tell me how many sets you have left? I need to use that and want to know how much I need to wait. Or, can you let me work mine in between yours?" But still NOT asked paul to move. EXTREMELY RUDE iSht.
It probably takes me 30 seconds to knock out 8 reps of 75 lb dumbell press on the bench. Add 15 seconds to grab the weight if I'm not already holding them. So 45 seconds total. That's in between your normal recovery time between sets.
Don't blame us for your bad story telling ability. A normal person probably would have asked the guy why he couldn't use the other bench. Then, maybe the guy asking would give a reasonable answer. Given that, why would it have been so bad for you to have moved to help a bro out? Was it because he didn't ask nice? Was it because you had already judged the guy before he even said anything? Are you normally a hostile person that doesn't like to be nice to strangers?
I think it's up to you. THe 24 hr fitness in midtown is often crowded between 5-7 and it's proper etiquette to work in when you have multiple people waiting for the same bench. However, if it's some sweaty a$$ dirty looking guy, I chose to ignore and tell them I'll be done soon.
If I'm alone, I don't have a problem sharing the equipment, but if there is another bench he can use, he should've just gone straight to the other bench. The problem I have is when sweaty greaseballs don't wipe up their sweat, and when idiots leave their equipment laying around or the weights on the bar. Lazy MF'ers!
